Fred Gracely
Real Reactions from Teachers and Librarians
Misfit's Magic is finding readers across the U.S. and Canada through 1200+ donated copies to 300+ classroom and library collections. Here's what 25 teachers, librarians, and media specialists wrote back.
Helvetica Light is an easy-to-read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site.
Harry Potter comparison
My students have really enjoyed your books. They argue over who is going to get them next. The students have said they are as good as the Harry Potter series with a little more spice.
Hunt Elementary, FL
Laura Andrews
Teacher
Book club
I read Misfit’s Magic: The Last Halloween and absolutely loved it! My first book selection for my Panthers & Pages book club had to be book 1 — every member of the club loved it. The students said, “I love the way it was written” and “It was easy to picture what was happening in my mind.” They also loved the themes of friendship, being true to who you are, and standing up for what’s right.
Pinewood Elementary, Brevard Public Schools, FL
Michelle Walton
Media Specialist
Reluctant reader
My students have found your books captivating. One student had hit a slump in his reading. He said he was burnt out after years of overachieving in his reading. He has since found a new love for fantasy books. It revived his love for a good story.
Melissa Martinez-Cantu
Elementary Librarian
Harry Potter comparison
My students have really enjoyed them and they are almost always checked out. One student told me it is the closest thing to the Harry Potter series she has been able to find.
Salem R-80, MO
Lisa Jones
Elementary Librarian
Class read-aloud
We read one of the books aloud in class. That’s all it took. They are hooked. There’s a waiting list to read each one. I’ve spoken to my librarian about ordering more copies when his budget is released.
Gilbert Elementary School, LaFayette, GA
Dianne Richardson
4th Grade Reading Teacher
Library waitlist
Your books cannot stay “in stock” in my classroom library! Once a book is available, a student will check it out immediately. The students find it extra special that you signed the books for us.
Meadowview Elementary School, Woodridge, IL
Haley Malovan
4th Grade Teacher
Harry Potter comparison
My students have really been enjoying the Misfit’s Magic series and are anxiously awaiting the next book. I often recommend this series to my kiddos who have already read Harry Potter, or to students who might not be ready for Harry.
Stanton Community Schools, NE
Tara Padilla
Librarian
Harry Potter comparison
I have been recommending the books as an alternative to the Harry Potter series and they are frequently checked out of the library!
Tyendinaga Township Public Library, Ontario
Carrie Fraser
CEO/Head Librarian
Class read-aloud
OMG! The students LOVE them!!! I read one out loud and they are now checking out the other books to read individually.
Wagner Elementary, PYLUSD, CA
Carrie Pipkin and class
5th Grade Teacher
Reluctant reader
My students loved them and couldn’t wait to read the next one!! They loved talking to each other about what they read and sharing their opinions when they were finished with the book. They even encouraged reluctant readers by sharing which book they would enjoy most.
Eastwood Heights Elementary, El Paso, TX
April Sanchez
Teacher
Class read-aloud
The 5th-grade class was beyond excited when the books arrived. We began reading Misfit’s Magic together as a class read-aloud, and the students absolutely loved it. They were engaged from the very beginning and could not wait to hear what happened next. Seeing them so excited about reading has been such a joy.
Beverly City School, NJ
Mrs. Harmon's 5th Grade Class
5th Grade ELA Teacher
High interest
I had a couple of students keep your books for a number of weeks because they really wanted to finish them. This is the number one thing we look for as librarians. When a student wants to renew it because they’re not finished, it shows a high interest.
Mary E. Baker School, MA
Kim Boylan
Library Paraprofessional
Library waitlist
My students are loving your books. They are checked out often! Usually with a waiting list! The characters were very likeable, and they were well developed within the story.
Midway K-12, OK
Amanda Myers
Teacher
Reluctant reader
Students check them out pretty regularly, and I’ve had a few students ask if there are more books in the series after finishing one, which is always a great sign. A few students who don’t always get excited about picking out a book are willing to give these a try.
Choctaw Middle School (grades 6–8), CNP Schools
Jessica Armstrong
Teacher-Librarian
Library waitlist
Our students were so excited to dive into them, especially our young fantasy fans! It was hard for me to catch them being checked in before they were checked back out by the next student!
Tift County Schools, GA
Tori Bennett
Media Specialist
Library waitlist
Your books are very popular with my students! They get checked out frequently and I actually have a waitlist of students wanting to check them out since there is only one copy of each! They love them!
MSD of Warren County, IN
Sable Shoue
Teacher
Values & voice
I don’t feel like they are inspired by Harry Potter — more that it’s friends in a world of magic. So I always steer kids to alternatives. I’d also rather support an author whose values seem to align more closely with mine.
Tyendinaga Township Public Library, Ontario
Carrie Fraser
CEO/Head Librarian
Word of mouth
Our students have thoroughly enjoyed the books you have donated. Word of mouth helped get the books to readers who normally wouldn’t come visit.
Bridgeforth Middle School, AL
Crystal Coleman
Librarian/Media Specialist
Title 1 classroom
The students of room 42 were VERY excited to add new books to the class library. They are frequently taken off the shelves by the students who have started reading them with positive feedback. As a first-year Title 1 teacher with limited resources, these things are always exciting to add.
Union County Public Schools, NC
Nicole Ellis
1st-Year Title 1 Teacher
All ages
My students are absolutely enjoying the books. The colors of the cover had their attention when I first opened the box. Even my 70-year-old mother has enjoyed reading the books. We can't wait to see what's next.
Wynona Nicholson
Teacher
Word of mouth
The students in my library have been enjoying the books very much. They have been recommending them to other students!
Evergreen Elementary School, OR
Christina Paul
Library Manager
Series demand
The librarian said a student asked for the next book in the series because he finished the first one.
Harvest Elementary, CA
Lisa Sanders
Teacher
Kids love them
Thank you very much for sending me your books for our library. The students are loving your books! We are very hopeful that you will continue writing!
Iola Elementary School, KS
Audrey Appling
3rd–5th Grade Librarian
Middle grade fit
My 5–7th graders have been the students who most check out your books.
Soulsbyville School, CA
Jennifer Boudreaux
Library Media Tech
Kids love them
My students enjoyed the books. One of my girls read 2 of them in a week. I will probably get some more to put in my classroom library or give as prizes.
A. Kendall
4th Grade Teacher